Optometric Assistant

• Assist with eye examinations and maintain examination equipment.
• Perform clerical duties such as loading patient data into the EMR system and documenting medical information during patient exams.
• Greet patients promptly and courteously.
• Dispense samples, education materials, information brochures, and written prescriptions as directed by the optometrist.
• Route charts, assign, and complete patient follow-up tasks by the end of the shift or within 24 hours, depending on urgency.
• Ensure patients understand the information explained by the provider and answer questions regarding medications prescribed by the optometrist.
• Escort patients to the front desk for check-out and ensure proper coding of visits and services.
• Keep optometrists informed of patient flow and document procedures performed by the optometrist.
• Transcribe consultations or discussions with family members accurately.
• Organize and replenish exam rooms with medical supplies and clean equipment for the next day.
• Assess charts and follow up with patients (letters, emails, prescriptions) by the end of the day as indicated in the EMR system.
• Escalate issues to the Optometric Supervisor, Senior Optometric Manager, and/or Optometrist in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education: High school diploma is required; some college or a degree is preferred. 
 

Experience: Less than 1 year of experience in a healthcare environment, familiarity with diagnostic codes and EMR systems preferred. 

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Punctual and reliable with the ability to multitask.
• Conscientious about triage and escalation of issues.
• Excellent typing skills (at least 45 wpm with accuracy).
• Proficient in listening and understanding.
• Ability to work with optometrists and learn on the job.

Core Competencies: 

• Greet patients promptly and courteously.
• Load patient data into the EMR system to maintain clinic flow and schedule.
• Document medical information during patient exams accurately.
• Reiterate information provided by the doctor to patients clearly.
• Dispense samples, education materials, and written prescriptions to patients.
• Route charts and complete patient follow-up tasks within specified timelines.
• Ensure friendly and helpful interactions with patients at all times.
• Maintain professional conduct and minimize socialization to ensure courtesy and professionalism.
• Confirm patient understanding of information explained by the provider.
• Answer medication-related questions within the scope of practice and involve the optometrist as needed.
• Escort patients to the front desk for check-out.
• Properly code visits and services provided under the optometrist’s oversight.
• Keep optometrists informed of patient flow and document procedures.
• Transcribe consultations or family discussions accurately.
• Assist with patient care as directed by the optometrist.
• Organize and replenish exam rooms with necessary supplies and equipment.
• Make assessments of charts and follow up with patients as indicated in the EMR system by the end of the day.
• Escalate issues to the appropriate supervisory personnel in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.